FOR YOUR CALENDAR

The Charter Night celebration for the Kiwanis Club of Buena Vista will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at 6:30 pm. All Lexington Kiwanians should mark their calendars to attend this celebratory culmination of the hard work that went into forming this exciting new addition to our Kiwanian family.

Further details will be announced later.

Kiwanian Clark King, Retired VMI Coach, Dies. 

  The following excerpt is from The News-Gazette (Lexington, Virginia), Wednesday, October 2, 2002,page 6, section A.  Under the title "Editor's View:" (Matt Paxton, IV, is the publisher and Darryl Woodson is the editor of this weekly newspaper).

Clark King Was A Giant Among Men

  Dr. Clark King, who died [on Friday, September 27,] at 79, was the rarest of men. By the example of his actions, borne of the values and virtue that underscored everything he did and was, all who came into his presence left it better than [when] they . . . arrived.

  Dr. King arrive at Virginia Military Institute five decades ago as an assistant football coach following his exemplary combat service as a U.S. marine in World War II, where he was wounded at Iwo Jima, and during the Korean Conflict.  His military honors include a Silver Star, Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation.

  In 1963, he left coaching to become head of the department of physical education.  He was also director of continuing education from 1975 until his 1991 retirement and served as director of VMI's summer session for the 20 years preceding his retirement.  In 1983, he was awarded the VMI Distinguished Service Award.  He was one of only 22 individuals to be name an honorary alumnus of VMI.

  Like all great mentors, he quietly empowered thousands of cadets and area citizens to become the best that they [could] be.

  In the 1960s, King and other local volunteers conducted a Saturday morning program for local youths at VMI's Cocke Hall that exposed the youths to such newfangled experiences as the trampoline, tumbling and wrestling.  In addition, this program opened the heretofore mysterious doors of VMI to many of those locals whose families had no affiliation with the school.

  With those youths and with the multitude of cadets who mourn his passing, King displayed a remarkable gift for gently, but at the same time firmly, cajoling each to discover those gifts and attributes that unlocked each individual's path to self-discovery and positive self-esteem. He was a quiet magician, never calling attention to himself, yet always casting the bright glare of the spotlight on the achievements of others.

  Dr. King once said of his VMI career, "Being trusted with the responsibility for teaching and training these young men is a high honor and very rewarding.  When it is over, it is my hope that it mattered that I worked here." There is no question that his work at VMI mattered a great deal and influenced thousands of lives in every positive way.

  His life in this community was a gift to us all.  Any who met him or were fortunate enough to have spent time in the presence of his soothing smile and undeniable wisdom might be tempted to feel forlorn in his absence. Don't.

  Clark King was a giant among men.  His shadow will be cast upon all who knew him forever.  

  This written tribute to Clark King appeared in the first issue of The News-Gazette published after his death.  Clark quite simply was a man who led a life of doing for others, especially young people. No one can say how many thousands of cadets graduated from VMI and went on to successful lives because of Clark's help. Without Clark's interest, support and mentoring, these are young men who would have left VMI because of the rat line, or failing grades, or excess demerits, and who can say at what cost to their future.

  As one of two assistant football coaches in 1957, he, as then head coach John McKenna will be quick to tell you, was instrumental in molding an undefeated Keydet football team that was ranked twentieth in the nation. Clark was a leader who met every challenge. His quiet confidence, wry sense of humor and strong work ethic were an inspiration to all who knew him.  His word was his bond. He was strong, both physically and intellectually, yet courteous and a true gentleman in his dealings with others.  He was the living embodiment of the Kiwanis goals of service to those in need and children first. When you enter VMI's Jackson Arch and read the words, "You May Be Whatever You Resolve To Be," you cannot help but think of Clark King. He resolved to make thousands of young cadets better than they ever thought they could be and he did!  Integrity, honor, faith, service, dedication, country, sacrifice, friendship, responsibility, they are all words that immediately bring the person of Clark King to mind. 

  The Virginia Military Institute, this community, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Kiwanis Club of Lexington have suffered a gaping loss with the passing of Clark. You are greatly missed, Old Friend.

CLARK KING

1923-2002  

HE WAS A GIANT OF A MAN,

THIS QUIET AND GENTLE MARINE –

BORN ON THE PLAINS OF NEBRASKA

WITH CHARACTER SELDOM SEEN.

HIS YOUTH WAS TEMPERED AT IWO;

HE SHED HIS BLOOD IN ITS SAND,

BUT THE LORD IN HIS TENDER MERCY

TOUCHED HIM WITH A LOVING HAND.

HE RETURNED FROM THAT TERRIBLE TIME

WITH THE MISSION REFLECTING HIS GRACE:

TEACHING AND MOLDING YOUNG MEN

IN THE SPIRIT OF THIS NOBLE PLACE.

GENERATIONS OF CADETS STILL REMEMBER

THE LESSONS THAT HE TAUGHT,

AND THOSE BIG HANDS IN HIS BOXING CLASS

MADE A POINT NOT EAGERLY SOUGHT.

BUT MUCH MORE THAN THAT THEY LEARNED

TO BE STRONG AND FIRM, BUT FAIR;

TO FACE THE WORLD WITH COURAGE

AND NEVER BE AFRAID TO DARE.

UNLIKE THE OLD SOLDIER OF RHYME,

AS WE HONOR HIM TODAY,

THE LEGACY HE LEAVES AT VMI

WILL NEVER FADE AWAY.

SO GO IN PEACE OUR FAITHFUL FRIEND,

AS YOU SEE GOD’S RISING SUN;

AND KNOW FOR ALL TIME TO COME

THAT YOURS WAS A JOB WELL DONE.

                                                                                                Mr. Hart Slater

                                                                                                VMI Business Exec. (Ret.)

Newsletter

LEXINGTON KIWANIANS

Service to the Community and Central Virginia Since 1926 

Lexington Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 796, Lexington, VA 24450

September-October 2002

October 31, 2002

Program/Activity Schedule: Next program on November 19, 2002: Fred Kirchner

              5 Nov.: Chuck Ivy (Board Meeting)           26 Nov.: Bill Koogler

            11 Nov.: Flags @ SWJ--Veterans Day        3 Dec.:  Skip Leadbetter

            12 Nov.: Tom Joynes                                  10 Dec.:  Pete Lincoln

            19 Nov.: Fred Kirchner                               17 Dec.:  Christmas Party              

You can find current information at our club internet site, which has never looked better as a result of Michael Hardin's wizardry (and he's a muggle just like us!).  Check it out.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We were all saddened by the death of Dr. Clark King on Friday, September 27.  Clark quite simply was a man who led a life of doing for others, especially young people.  No one can say how many thousands of cadets graduated from VMI and went on to successful lives because of Clark's help.  His quiet confidence, wry sense of humor and strong work ethic were an inspiration to all who knew him.  His word was his bond.  He was strong, both physically and intellectually, yet always courteous and a true gentleman in his dealings with others.  He was the living embodiment of the Kiwanis ideals of service to those in need and children first.  To quote from an editorial in The News-Gazette, "Clark King was a giant among men.  His shadow will be cast upon all who knew him forever."  Hart Slater put our feelings into words when he said, "It is hard to get used to the idea of VMI, and the world, without this great and genial giant.  I know all of you agree that he is one of the most beloved of VMI men."  You are greatly missed, Old Friend. Among many tributes to Clark's memory was Jim Grimmer's October 1 program, "Remembering Clark King."  Memorial contributions can be made to the Rockbridge Regional Library through Chuck Phillips.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Club/Board of Directors: A lot has happened in the last two months.  Jim Gaines was installed as our new president (see Oct. 8 under "Programs").  We successfully completed our Eighth Annual Food Drive for RARA, collecting 1,516 pounds of food for the Lexington-Rockbridge Food Pantry.  The final tally on the money made from the Community Street Festival was $3,700.  Thanks to the leadership and hard work of John Read, a new Kiwanis club in Buena Vista has become a reality.  The new club has 23 charter members and held its first pre-organizational meeting at the Green Forest Restaurant, BV, on 29 October.  Frank Lion is chairing these initial meetings and will act as our liaison with the new club during its first year.  Others who made the impossible dream possible are Jacqueline Bledsoe, Kiwanis International's Club Development Manager, and our own recruiters Tom Browne, Tibor Edmond, Jim Gaines, Jim Grimmer, Bill Koogler, Skip Leadbetter, Frank Lion, Tom Tait, and Alex Wood.  The second pre-organizational meeting will be at 6:30 a.m., November 5, at Green Forest for anyone who would like to attend. We're leaving God alone in "God Bless America" instead of substituting "somebody" bless America, and in the Pledge as opposed to reciting "One nation, under Canada and over Mexico."  This is why our club is on the cutting edge of first amendment issues.  New President Jim Gaines, Jim Grimmer, Harry Hughes, and Frank Lion gave us an interclub at a 19 October dinner in Staunton for Governor Dan Warren.  Jim also attended the Division Five Council meeting before the dinner.  Club members decided against participating in a Veterans Day Parade in Natural Bridge because of some confusion about whether they would be displayed as part of the Natural Bridge Zoo or the parade would just start at the zoo.  Miss Virginia's cancellation was not a relevant factor in the decision. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

On September 10, we had the pleasure of hosting a six-member interclub from Waynesboro.  At then President Koogler's request, each guest was introduced to the gathering by name and, following all introductions, the Waynesborians were welcomed by spontaneous applause at the request of no one (an oxymoron?).  We paid our semi-annual International and District dues, for our Kiwanis magazine subscriptions (each of you should be getting the magazine), and for our liability insurance, totaling $1,103.30.  The Board had a short meeting on September 10 and approved again participating in the annual Rockbridge County High School- Kroger educational equipment project.  Alex Wood subsequently agreed to chair the project and has done an outstanding job.  Board members also agreed that Lexington would serve as the sponsoring club if the efforts to start a new Kiwanis club in Buena Vista succeeded.  (As mentioned earlier, they did, thanks to John Read.)  At a special Board meeting on 15 October, members approved a $165 contribution to Kiwanis International's Worldwide Youth Program to help underprivileged children.  In addition, it approved a $40 contribution to the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce to help defray the cost of the People's Choice Awards breakfast.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

September Programs: Sept. 3: John Read introduced Jacqueline Bledsoe, Kiwanis International Club Development Manager, who spoke about the need for existing clubs to support and sponsor new clubs.  It's the best way for Kiwanis to add new members.  By the end of September, Kiwanis will have added 200 new clubs in North America.  Jackie outlined the seven-step club building process that we would follow in starting a new club in Buena Vista.  She noted that Buena Vista should have its own club in order to have the Key Club that it wants.  Her advice: get behind the project with enthusiasm and have fun doing it--she will come back and help us.  Sept. 10: Mac Felts was a welcome sight to all and brought Bruce Patterson, Clerk of the Rockbridge Circuit Court, with him to talk about the referendum on the proposed new courthouse.  Bruce believes that a new county courthouse is needed to provide adequate office space, storage, security, and parking.  He opined that alterations to the present building are not feasible because of, among other things, certain restrictions imposed on structures within the city's historical district.  (Thanks to Lou Dwyer for his erudite account of the evening's shenanigans.)  Sept. 17: Potpourri Program.  Discussions of the RCHS-Kroger Educational Equipment Project, our magical self-cleaning highway, the first steps toward identifying members for a Buena Vista Kiwanis Club, Jim Gaines and his future Iraqi speaker, Tom Joynes and Suddam spelled backwards, Dan Vance's suggestion to have the president of the Sons of the Confederacy as a speaker, Frank Lion attending a Kiwanis Club meeting in Winchester, New Hampshire, and long, incomprehensible, sentence fragments as illustrated heretofore.  Sept. 24: Jim Gaines introduced Wafa Wingfield, an Iraqi citizen and the wife of a VMI professor, as his program.  Mrs. Wingfield told of the sad plight of the Iraqi middle class under Suddam Hussein.  Iraq's economy was destroyed after the Gulf War and the sanctions only harm the people, not Suddam.  Iraq has great wealth, but Suddam and his henchman control it.  Suddam rules by "blood, fear, and money," ordering the brutal killing of anyone he perceives as disloyal or a threat.  Well-protected by his Palace Guard and intelligence forces, he enjoys a life of luxury while his people suffer.  The Iraqi people live in poverty and fear--terrorized, downtrodden, starving. Mrs. Wingfield believes that the United States should end the sanctions while carefully weighing what effect a war would have on stability in the Middle East.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

October Programs: Oct. 1: Jim Grimmer's program was entitled "Remembering Clark King," with various members of the club offering recollections and anecdotes.  Skip Leadbetter had a close association with Clark and he read Emerson's essay "Success" and Kipling's poem "If."  Jim concluded the program with a prayer.  I know all of us appreciate Jim having a program not only celebrating Clark's life, but allowing the participation of others who were close to Clark.  Michael Hardin has placed other remembrances of Clark on our Internet site, featuring The News-Gazette editorial and a poem by Hart Slater.  (Unfortunately, I was out of state during this period--Clark's death, his memorial service, and Jim Grimmer's program--so I want to thank Jim Gaines for providing me with the above written account of the 1 October meeting and program.)  Oct. 8: The installation of new officers proved to be a dinner meeting rivaled only by the Slater's Valentine's Day Party.  Buoyed by the enchanting presence of our lovely, witty, and  painstakingly tolerant wives, we outdid ourselves and a good time was had by all.  (Is this what they mean by historical revision?)  Outgoing Pres Bill Koogler introduced our Lt. Governor John Weatherman and the club's other officers and board members.  He then proceeded to outline a series of firsts during the year, crediting and thanking various club members for their contributions.  Bill, getting positive feedback from an enthralled, albeit captive audience, could have talked all night, but didn't, realizing that his followers place brevity right up there with duty, honor, and country.  John Weatherman awarded Bill an engraved plaque for his outstanding leadership and service as our president for 2001-2002, noting that Bill would remain an officer in his capacity as our most recent past president.  The Lt. Governor then installed the following officers for the coming year: Jim Gaines as President, John Read as President-elect and Vice-President, Tibor Edmond as Treasurer, and Mike Carmichael as temporary Secretary until a competent one can be found.  New Board members are Michael Hardin, Darryl Magee, and Tom Tait.  They will serve with second year members Bob Dempsey, Jim Grimmer, and Chuck Phillips.  Lt. Governor Weatherman recognized the contributions of past president Skip Leadbetter and outgoing board members Frank Lion, Dick Weede, and Alex Wood.  He ended by speaking about the unique personality of our club (laughter from our wives) and told us not to let it change (disbelief from our wives).  John asked us to consider the things in the community that would be missed if our club didn't exist and left us with "He that tooteth not his own horn, the same may never be tooted!"  Oct. 15:  President Jim Gaines presided over a state of the club program.  Regular board meetings would be on the first Tuesday of each month.  John Read reported that club building in Buena Vista continued to go well and thanked the members who were helping with recruiting.  The first charter member of the new club was Curtis Fawson, President of Southern Virginia University.  Mike Carmichael reported that the city had responded to our letter concerning the complaint of the president of the local chapter of the Sons of the Confederacy about our display of American flags around the Stonewall Jackson graveside memorial.  The Sons of the Confederacy alleged that our flag display violated Virginia statutory law in that it constituted a "Union branding" of a Confederate memorial.  They asked that we not place the ten American flags around the memorial.  The city did not receive a definitive opinion from its attorney on the issue and, consequently, requested that we place the flags consistent with our initial proposal and diagram for displaying them (that is, in the grass quadrants outside the walk surrounding the memorial).  David Woody, Public Works, would have a crew available to remove the flag holes from inside the memorial fence and place them where we directed.  Skip Leadbetter agreed to head this project and work with David.  Also, he would see if he could get Fred Kirchner to help in deciding where the flag holes should be placed to best display the flags.  (Note: We have a total of 45 flags.  Twenty are displayed on both sides of the walk leading into the cemetery from the main entrance, fifteen are displayed on both sides of the road leading into the cemetery from the rear entrance, and ten now will be displayed on the grass quadrants around the Jackson memorial once those holes have been completed.)  There was a discussion of and votes cast for candidates for the People's Choice Awards.  Alex Wood reported that $3,394 had been spent in the last three weeks for the RCHS-Kroger Educational Equipment Project.  Alex requests that you contact him by telephone, not by email.  Oct. 22: Bob Hehre invited Kathy Trudgeon, Director of Education at Stonewall Jackson Hospital, and Karen LaFon, Director of Cardiac Services and Medical Surgery at the hospital, to talk about recognizing symptoms of heart attacks and/or strokes (brain attacks).  They emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs and getting early help.  Delaying for one-two hours not only results in the highest death rate, but can cause severe, irreparable damage.  Stroke symptoms include weakness of an arm or leg on one side of your body, numbness, intense headaches, loss of balance, slurred speech, and difficulty in understanding what others are saying.  Heart attacks symptoms are more deceptive.  They may involve severe chest pain for two minutes or more, or just about any other severe, mild, or discomforting pain above the waist that lasts for at least two minutes.  Don't rationalize your symptoms.  React quickly and take coated aspirin.  Stonewall Jackson Hospital's Emergency Room has a triage for dealing with priority symptoms immediately.  Many people don't react to early symptoms because such life-threatening attacks are inconsistent with their self-image.  In the case of our members, reaction time may be slowed because we've been experiencing these symptoms daily for the last five-to-ten years.  This is an editorial observation, not one made by either Mrs. LaFon or Mrs. Trudgeon.  Oct. 29: We ended October as we did September, in the Middle East.  Harry Hughes presented a CSPAN 2 tape of Bernard Lewis reviewing his book What Went Wrong? Western Impact and Middle Eastern Response.  Mr. Lewis spoke of the West's need to have a historical perspective in dealing with Middle Eastern states.  In the Middle Ages, Muslim countries were world leaders in all respects; then their power started to wane.  The disparity continued to widen, heavily favoring the West and later the United States.  Muslim countries reacted not by asking what went wrong, but who did this to us?  The United States was perceived as the chief culprit.  Middle Eastern states which had been subjected to imperial rule developed a habit of denying any responsibility for their loss of world power.  Turkey, on the other hand, which has never been ruled by an imperial power, looked to modernization and democratization as solutions.  With respect to Iraq, Mr. Lewis believes the longer Suddam Hussein stays in power the more dangerous he becomes.  In Lewis' opinion, we need to regain the trust of the Iraqi people and move against Suddam.  The greatest danger is our inaction.  Observation: Bob Dempsey with his headset looked like he was back in the cockpit.